Massage Therapy Relieves Tension Headaches
In the United States alone, more than 60% of the 45 million
Americans who suffer from chronic headaches suffer from migraines.
The disorder can be debilitating and typically results from high
stress levels and/or lack of sleep. So it's no wonder why so many
people want to know how to relieve tension headaches.
Massage has two roles when it comes to treating
migraines and tension related headaches:
In a proactive role, massage
treatments are performed on a regular basis to help the body
maintain an optimal level of relaxation and stress-relief. This
approach reduces the chances of migraine attacks and tension
headaches significantly by relaxing muscle spasms and trigger
points.
In a comfort role, massage is done
to ease the pressure brought on during a migraine or tension
related headache. By focusing on the neck, shoulders, and head,
massage can decrease the pain and discomfort brought on by migraine
or tension headaches.
A recent study showed that massage therapy recipients exhibited
fewer migraines and better sleep quality during the weeks they
received massage, and the three weeks following, than did
participants that did not receive massage therapy. Another study
found that in adults with migraine headaches, massage therapy
decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and
distress symptoms. It also increased serotonin levels, believed to
play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep and
appetite.
Benefits of Relieving Tension-Related
Headaches
- Decreases occurrences of tension headaches, sleep disturbances
and distress symptoms
- Allows one to maintain a level of relaxation and stress-relief,
reducing the chances of stress induced migraines
- Massage for headaches can also reduce muscle spasms and trigger
points